United Arab Emirates

SAFETY & SECURITY

• Volatile regional security following recent military strikes — missiles, drones and projectiles have struck military installations, oil infrastructure and public facilities including airports; military activity can resume on short notice.

Prepare: Monitor local and international media daily and maintain contact with your embassy; program the Canadian emergency line (1-800-387-3124) into your phone.

• Terrorist groups publicly intend to target the UAE — attacks could hit government buildings, airports, transportation hubs, markets, hotels, restaurants, shopping centres and tourist attractions at any time; heightened risk during sporting events, religious holidays and public gatherings.

Prepare: Avoid crowded public events and identify alternative routes to your accommodation and frequent destinations; register with the Canadian embassy's alert system.

• Do not photograph or film military sites, activity or damage — violations carry severe local penalties under regional law.

Prepare: Disable automatic cloud backup of photos on your phone; do not post images to social media that show any military or security infrastructure.

• If missiles or drones strike — stay away from doors and windows, follow local authority instructions, do not touch debris or fragments, and contact local authorities immediately.

Prepare: Identify interior rooms in your accommodation away from windows; learn how to receive emergency alerts from local authorities upon arrival.

• Petty crime occurs (pickpocketing, car theft) — keep valuables and documents secure and locked in vehicles.

Prepare: Use a concealed money belt for passport and backup documents; keep car doors locked and windows closed at all times.

• Romance scams and online extortion are common — victims lose thousands of dollars; scammers also impersonate local authorities or financial institutions requesting fund transfers.

Prepare: Never send money or personal information to resolve alleged administrative or customs issues; retain your passport, return ticket and all funds in your personal possession.

• Sexual violence risk for women travelers — local authorities may not respond adequately and may charge victims unless they prove lack of consent; the legal definition of consent differs substantially from Canadian law.

Prepare: Avoid traveling alone, especially at night; register alone travelers with the Canadian embassy; do not accept food, drinks, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances.

• Water hazards — rip currents at beaches can sweep swimmers out to sea; rescue services may not meet international standards and some beaches lack lifeguards.

Prepare: Swim only during marked hours in designated areas; consult residents or tour operators on safe beaches; do not swim alone or after hours.

HEALTH

• No vaccine requirements for entry — malaria is not present in the UAE; standard travel vaccines (tetanus, hepatitis A/B, typhoid) are recommended if not current.

Prepare: Consult a travel health clinic 4–6 weeks before departure to confirm your vaccine status.

• Medical care is modern and widely available — hospitals in major cities (Dubai, Abu Dhabi) meet international standards; private care can be expensive.

Prepare: Obtain travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage; carry a list of your medications in their original packaging.

• Food and water are generally safe — tap water is drinkable in urban areas; exercise standard precautions with street food and ice.

Prepare: Carry hand sanitizer and avoid consuming ice or beverages from unknown vendors; stay hydrated, especially in extreme heat.

• Extreme heat (May–September) poses risk of heatstroke and dehydration — both can be fatal in desert conditions.

Prepare: Carry sufficient water (at least 2 litres per person), wear sunscreen and light clothing, and recognize early symptoms of heatstroke (confusion, dizziness, nausea).

VISA & ENTRY

• Tourist visa on arrival, 90 days — free — issued automatically at your port of entry for stays within 180 days.

Prepare: Ensure your passport has at least one blank page for the visa stamp; have your return flight confirmation available.

• Passport validity: at least 6 months beyond your entry date — this is more stringent than many countries; airlines enforce this rule.

Prepare: Renew your passport now if it expires within 6 months of your planned travel; do not rely on expedited renewal if travelling within weeks.

• Temporary passports and emergency travel documents cannot be used for entry — only for exit and transit.

Prepare: Apply for a standard Canadian passport if you only hold a temporary document; verify acceptance with your airline 30 days before travel.

• Holders of passports with an "X" gender identifier may face entry restrictions — the UAE's systems may not recognize this identifier and officials may request male/female designation.

Prepare: Contact the UAE embassy in Ottawa in advance (listed below) to clarify entry policy for your specific passport.

Verify all visa and entry requirements directly with the nearest embassy or consulate before travel. Requirements can change without notice.

LOCAL LAWS & CULTURE

• Photography and filming restrictions — do not photograph military installations, government buildings, airports, security personnel, or any military/security damage; violations are prosecuted under local law.

Prepare: Disable automatic photo backup; ask permission before photographing people, buildings or infrastructure; delete photos if asked by authorities.

• Alcohol is legal but heavily regulated — purchase and consumption is restricted to licensed establishments; public intoxication is illegal and can result in fines or detention.

Prepare: Purchase alcohol only in licensed liquor stores if you choose to drink; avoid public drinking and never drink before driving.

• Dress modestly, especially outside major tourist areas — women should cover shoulders, knees and cleavage; men should avoid sleeveless shirts and shorts above the knee in conservative areas.

Prepare: Pack lightweight long sleeves and trousers; observe local dress standards in mosques, heritage areas and outside Dubai/Abu Dhabi.

• LGBTQ+ laws and culture — same-sex relations are illegal; LGBTQ+ individuals may face legal consequences and social discrimination; "X" gender markers may not be recognized.

Prepare: Do not engage in public displays of affection; use discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity; contact the Canadian embassy if you face harassment or legal issues.

• Premarital cohabitation and conjugal relations outside marriage are technically illegal — enforcement is inconsistent, but be aware of this legal framework, especially in cases of sexual assault reporting.

Prepare: Be aware that reporting sexual assault may expose you to investigation regarding consensual relations; contact the Canadian embassy immediately if you are assaulted.

• Ramadan restrictions — eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight hours are forbidden; restaurants and attractions may have altered hours.

Prepare: Check the Ramadan calendar before travel; plan meals discreetly indoors during fasting hours; expect reduced service at some businesses.

• Emirate nationals are favoured in contracts, employment and property — foreigners have limited property ownership rights.

Prepare: Do not attempt to purchase property; understand that visa sponsorship may depend on employment.

PRACTICAL & CONNECTIVITY

• Currency: United Arab Emirates dirham (AED); 1 CAD ≈ 2.7 AED (verify current rate) — major credit cards are widely accepted; ATM fraud occurs, so use cards cautiously.

Prepare: Notify your bank of travel dates; use ATMs in well-lit bank lobbies or major stores; cover the keypad when entering your PIN; monitor your account for unauthorized charges.

• Power outlets: Type G (three rectangular pins) — voltage is 220V, 50Hz; Canadian appliances require a voltage converter and plug adapter.

Prepare: Buy a universal travel adapter and voltage converter before departure; test them with low-power devices (phone charger) upon arrival.

• SIM cards and eSIM are widely available and inexpensive — Etisalat and du are major carriers; mobile coverage is excellent in urban areas, spotty in remote desert.

Prepare: Purchase a local SIM card at the airport or a convenience store; note your passport number (required for registration); ensure your phone is unlocked for non-UAE SIMs.

• Public Wi-Fi is common but cybercrime is prevalent — avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking, purchases or sensitive data; use a VPN if available.

Prepare: Disable auto-connect to Wi-Fi networks; avoid online banking on public networks; install a reputable VPN app before travel.

• Road safety: fatal accidents are common; drivers are reckless and often tailgate at excessive speeds — pedestrians must use designated crossings, bridges or underpasses.

Prepare: Do not rent a car unless you are an experienced defensive driver; if driving, always maintain safe distance, drive at or below speed limits and carry emergency contacts.

• Public transportation is modern and reliable in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah — use only officially marked taxis or trusted ride-sharing apps (Uber, Careem); negotiate flat rates with private taxis in advance.

Prepare: Install Uber or Careem before arrival; learn the metro system; avoid sharing taxis with strangers; keep emergency cash for taxis if apps fail.

• Tipping is not expected but appreciated — 5–10% for restaurant service is standard if service is not included.

Prepare: Carry small denominations of AED for optional tipping; note that tips are not mandatory.

CLIMATE & TIMING

• Best time to visit: October to April — mild, sunny weather (20–30°C daytime); December–January is peak season and busiest.

Prepare: Book accommodation 2–3 months in advance for winter travel; expect higher prices and crowds.

• Extreme heat: May to September (40–50°C+) — outdoor activity is limited; air conditioning is essential; dehydration and heatstroke are serious risks.

Prepare: If traveling in summer, plan indoor activities (malls, museums); carry water constantly; avoid midday outdoor exposure.

• Sandstorms occur year-round but are most common in spring and summer — visibility can drop suddenly, affecting driving and air travel.

Prepare: Check weather forecasts daily; avoid off-road driving during sandstorms; have indoor backup plans.

• Humidity is high along coastal areas (May–September), making heat feel more intense — air-conditioned spaces are common and necessary.

Prepare: Pack light, breathable clothing and a hat; plan indoor activities during peak heat hours (11am–4pm).

TOP SIGHTS

• Burj Khalifa (Dubai) — world's tallest building with observation decks offering 360° city and desert views; book tickets online to avoid queues.

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Abu Dhabi) — iconic white marble mosque with intricate Islamic architecture; modest dress required (provided at entrance); photography restrictions inside prayer areas.

• Dubai Mall and Souk al-Bahar — massive shopping complex adjacent to the Burj Khalifa and traditional covered market offering local crafts, spices and textiles.

• Dune bashing and desert safari (Dubai/Abu Dhabi) — off-road vehicle tours across sand dunes with optional camel rides and Bedouin camps.

Prepare: Book with established tour operators only; ensure vehicles are well-maintained 4×4s and guides are experienced; bring water and sun protection.

• Pearl Museum and Heritage Village (Dubai) — small museums showcasing UAE's pre-oil pearl diving and traditional Bedouin culture.

WHERE TO STAY

Dubai

• Downtown Dubai — walking distance to Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and metro stations; well-lit, secure, and full of restaurants and hotels; tourist-focused but expensive.

• Jumeirah — upscale beachfront neighborhood with beach clubs, shopping at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), and relatively safe streets; quieter than Downtown.

• Deira (old Dubai) — historic trading district with budget hotels, traditional souks and cheaper street food; less polished but authentic; avoid walking alone at night in quieter alleys.

Abu Dhabi

• Downtown Abu Dhabi (Zaabeel area) — central location near Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, government offices and shopping; modern infrastructure, safe streets and reliable public transport.

• Corniche — waterfront promenade with parks, restaurants and hotels; scenic, walkable, and well-patrolled; good for evening strolls.

Sharjah

• Al Majaz Waterfront — safe, family-friendly waterfront area with parks, restaurants and cultural attractions; less touristy than Dubai but modern and clean.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi: Building 95, Street 16A, Al Manara, Abu Dhabi; phone +971-2-616-6700 (main switchboard); emergency after-hours: +971-2-616-6700 (ask for duty officer).

Prepare: Save this number in your phone immediately upon arrival; register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service (www.travel.gc.ca/registration).

• Local emergency services (UAE): Police: 999 | Ambulance: 998 | Traffic police: 901.

Prepare: Program all three numbers into your phone before arrival.

• Government of Canada 24/7 emergency line: 1-800-387-3124 (call collect if outside Canada).

Prepare: Verify this number works from your mobile plan; save it as a contact.

• Non-emergency police in Dubai: 04-308-3333 | Abu Dhabi: 02-441-1111.

Prepare: Save these as secondary contacts for theft or fraud reports.

Last updated: June 25, 2026. Verify all information with the Canadian embassy website and travel.gc.ca before departure.